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The Batman (2022) is the one movie to watch before The Penguin if you want the story context: the series follows Oz Cobb in the aftermath of the film. Scarface and The French Connection are optional watches that illuminate the show’s crime-story model and visual influences. Batman Returns offers a bonus comparison with an earlier screen Penguin, but it is not part of this story’s continuity.
What should I watch before The Penguin?
Start with The Batman (2022). The series picks up after the film’s upheaval in Gotham, with Oz Cobb trying to exploit the resulting power vacuum. Director and executive producer Matt Reeves described Oz’s story as continuing beyond the film, making it the direct narrative setup.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Penguin: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray) | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![The Penguin [Steelbook] [4K UHD] [2024] [Blu-ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jsQnnBf4L._SL160_.jpg)
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The Penguin [Steelbook] [4K UHD] [2024] [Blu-ray] [Region Free] | $58.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![The Penguin [Blu-ray] [2024] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51URXfhMt2L._SL160_.jpg)
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The Penguin [Blu-ray] [2024] [Region Free] | $35.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Penguin Blu-ray | Colin Farrell | $33.78 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Penguins of Madagascar [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61z7OL3-CBL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Penguins of Madagascar [Blu-ray] | $8.88 | Buy on Amazon |
The other films below are optional: they offer creative context or a point of comparison, not plot information needed to follow the series.
| Film | Why watch it | Continuity value |
|---|---|---|
| The Batman (2022) | Sets up Oz’s position in Gotham and the circumstances that lead into the series. | Direct story setup |
| Scarface | A crime-rise story Reeves cited when describing his concept for the series. | Optional; no plot prerequisite |
| The French Connection | A visual reference for the show’s depiction of Gotham as a New York-based city. | Optional; no plot prerequisite |
| Batman Returns (1992) | A chance to compare Danny DeVito’s screen portrayal of the Penguin with Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb. | Optional; separate portrayal |
Do I need to watch The Batman before The Penguin?
No prior viewing is required to begin the series, but The Batman is the most useful preparation for understanding why Gotham is in flux and where Oz’s ambitions fit. The Penguin shifts the focus from Batman to Oz Cobb’s attempt to rise in the criminal world. Watching the film first gives that transition its context; it does not mean you need to watch every Batman movie.
#1 Best Overall
Which movies inspired The Penguin?
Scarface: an optional crime-story comparison
Reeves described the premise he pitched as an almost “Scarface story”: an underestimated figure seeking power after Carmine Falcone’s death. That comparison helps frame the series as a gangster rise-to-power drama. It is a creative analogy, not an indication that Scarface supplies story facts or is required viewing. Reeves explained the comparison in a Forbes interview.
The French Connection: an optional visual reference
Production designer Kalina Ivanov said Reeves wanted the production team to draw on The French Connection’s visual language and translate it into a Gotham grounded in New York. She described the film as an influence on how the show uses city infrastructure, including underpasses. This is a reference for the show’s look, not a continuity link. Ivanov discussed the visual approach with The Credits.
Rank #2
Is Batman Returns part of The Penguin’s story?
No. Batman Returns (1992) is a bonus comparison for viewers interested in earlier screen versions of the character, particularly Danny DeVito’s portrayal. Colin Farrell has recalled early screen memories of the Penguin that included DeVito and Burgess Meredith, but the 1992 film does not establish continuity with Reeves’s story. Farrell discussed those influences in a Forbes interview.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you stream the movies?
Streaming availability for these films varies by country and changes over time. The available information does not establish that all four are currently on Max, so check the catalog for your region before planning a watch order.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital HD
- Special Features: Top-Secret Guide to Becoming an Elite Agent / "He Is Dave" Music Video / Flipper Slap Shake Waddle and Roll / "Celebrate" Music Video by Pitbull / Do the Penguin Shake with tWitch / Deleted Scenes / Global Flight Plan / Cheezy Dibbles Ad / World of DreamWorks Animation / Gallery
Rank #4
- Blu-ray Movies, Blu-ray TV Shows
Rank #3
- The Penguin
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